04/16/2019
I read an article in Dogs Naturally Magazine last week that was titled "Are You a Raw Food N**i?". While that is a pretty offensive title, the subject matter was interesting and gave me "paws" for thought. (Sorry, I couldn't resist). I am frequently asked for dietary recommendations by my pup owner clients and friends. That's probably the toughest question that I am asked, because for me, there is no easy answer. While I am certified in Pet Food Nutrition and Raw Food Nutrition I believe that every dog is different, with individual health issues, breed factors and taste preferences. In my world there is no "perfect diet". Trust me, I have listened to all the arguments on every side of the issue. I feel the same way about human diets....should it be Keto, Paleo, vegan, whatever...and my answer is the same. We are all individuals with different needs, tastes and theories. I do have several very strong beliefs that I will share with you. Remember, these are MY beliefs and you must form your own opinions. Your pup, your rules.
1. Whatever diet you decide to feed your pup, it should be varied and balanced. Meat alone is not enough. One of the earliest veterinarian proponents of raw feeding, Dr. Ian Billinghurst, who developed the "BARF" (bones and raw food) diet in the 90's initially advocated for an all meat diet, but now strongly suggests including veggies and fruits. I have attached an article about his suggestions below. Your dog needs a well rounded, nutritionally complete diet, just as you do.
2. You MUST do your homework about your dog's diet. Ask experts who really know the facts about canine nutrition and are willing to share a variety of possibilities with you. Here on the peninsula we have a fabulous resource at Best Friend Nutrition Natural Pet Market in Sequim. They have a huge selection of wonderfully clean and healthy diet and treat selections and staff who can help to guide you in making sound decisions. Carefully research the products that you are considering. Are they non-GMO, organic, ethically raised, sustainably sourced? Is the company transparent about the sources of their ingredients? Do they outsource their packaging to mass market producers or package at their location? Have they had prior recalls for contamination? If you have questions, call the company and get straight answers. Learn how to read pet food labels in order to understand exactly what you are getting. Arm yourself with facts and go back to the company that you select frequently to assure that none of their practices have changed.
3. If you elect to cook all of your pup's food apply the same rules for purity. Don't assume that because a local market has lots of organic products that every item is organic. Ask to be sure. Use only meat that is not from animals fed antibiotics or growth hormones and that are ethically raised. Veggies and fruits should be non-GMO and organic and from farms that guarantee that they do not use glyphosate spraying.
4. Feed a diet that your pup enjoys. I tried a whole array of products before I settled on a diet that my Cookie the Wonder Dog adores. I make sure to change protein sources every few months in the product line that Cookie and I selected so that she doesn't get bored. Would you want to eat the same thing every day of your life? Yes, nutrition is of paramount importance, but eating should be a pleasure for your dog just as it should be for each of us.
Those are the only hard and fast diet rules in Cookie's house. Below are some links that may interest you about raw vs. non-raw diets and fruits and veggie suggestions and precautions. I will discuss supplements in an upcoming blog post. Remember, sound owner decisions based on facts make for a happy, healthy pup.
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/is-feeding-a-raw-diet-enough/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/10-reasons-to-feed-vegetables-for-dogs/?utm_source=ontraport&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=content&utm_content=43550
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/03/22/what-fruits-and-vegetables-can-dogs-eat.aspx?utm_source=petsnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20190322Z1&et_cid=DM275021&et_rid=573733197
